Forgetful at times
 

My husband just came in carrying a box that UPS dropped off for me from Missouri Star Quilt Co. It was a layer cake and 1 yard of a coordinating fabric, maybe for binding.....I do remember ordering it. But not what pattern it was for. One in my stash or one Jenny was showing a tute for?? Have ordered a lot of new fabric lately because I'm tired of looking at the same old stuff. Aren't we all?? What I'm wondering is how on earth do we all remember what we purchased fabric for? Does anyone keep a notebook, with things like date ordered, where from, maybe a picture of it, what pattern to be used for, do you place a pattern with fabric and store it away, or ordered just because it's so pretty?? Sometimes I think I either have too many irons in the fire, or I'm not firing on all cylinders! Help!!

maybe all of the above?

I would write down the purchase and intent at the time of the order.

I store the pattern or directions with the fabric gathered and then, when it is time, it is all there to begin the project. I do keep a notebook, but it is mostly for stitch settings and quilting ideas. I keep all of the "kits" together so I don't accidentally get into any of the fabrics. That helps me to stay on track.
I too have ordered fabric for a reason and forgotten why. Don't be too hard on yourself over it. Maybe you will remember and all will be right again. Once I ordered three different backings for the same quilt. Thank goodness it was a smaller one and that the extra fabric was nice enough for some other purpose.

Like you, my cylinders are not all firing. Another problem is waiting too long to make a quilt I have in mind. Then another idea comes around that the fabric would be perfect for.

I'm too disorganized to make a list of anything :) I love to order from Missouri Star. I watch Jenny's tutorials every week.
But when it comes to fabric buying I usually get something I like and then think of a project. Maybe I do it backwards but so far it works for me.

I have a written bucket list of projects, but only a few of them are fabric specific. If they are (like an all black and white), those fabrics are kept in a separate stack.

I do it like Susie, I find fabric I like and decide what to make out of it later. Of course, that allows me more trips to the LQS to find things to go with the fabric. :D

My friend told her doctor that she was having trouble remembering things. He told her "You're just trying to remember too much." Works for me. :)

Welcome to the club. Sometimes I attach a note to my invoice so I'll know what
the fabric is for. That doesn't mean I won't change my mind afterwards. :D
The other day I was drooling over some fabric online which I discovered
I already have. Duh

Tartan, I like that...mentalpause. So true. LOL

I just buy fabrics, 4-6 yards just in case I need that much. When I get ready to make quilts I don't have to worry about whether I will have enough.

Omg that's hilarious!! I'm laughing but I bet if I look hard enough I'll find doubles of a fabric I drooled over! :D

A few years ago when I was setting up my sewing room, getting all my yardage out of tubs and boxes onto comic boards I discovered I had bought the same fabric not just once, not twice, but three times. And darned if I could remember what I had in mind for it.

Cari

Cari- you should get some kind of award for 3 times :D

No problem on my limited budget! Each project gets a drawer or storage bin. And each has a folder on my computer.
I buy the fabrics for each project. Left overs are used for a stash of 6" blocks (boy, do I love doing them!) for my Canadian cousin who just left after a visit with over 100 of them to make gift quilts for the needy.

You know, I just did this with a yarn purchase. I bought a yarn to make a sweater but bought two other types of yarn and can't remember what patterns I picked out. Grrr. Frustrating.

If I buy fabric for a specific project I store it and the pattern in an acid free box - that way the fabric isn't used for a different project and I don't have to search for the pattern. Other fabric is ruler-folded and put in drawers to be used for whatever comes to mind.

I've bought the same fabric twice. I have 2 of several patterns. I haven't bought the same one 3 times. Yet.

I have bought the same fabric twice...on many occasions!! I buy fabric I like....usually not knowing what I plan to do with it...I just know I can't be without it!!

I buy fabric if I like it. if I am going to make a quilt pattern I like I try to keep all the
fabric/ect together, but sometimes I get to get to looking in my stash and things get mixed
up and I cant remember what when with what. May a note book and pictures is a good idea.

Since I don't get much time to sew...I am a one or two project at-a-time quilter so I don't buy fabric and patterns until I'm ready to start a new project so I guess there's no reason to keep a list... but it sounds like a great idea.

I like the idea of writing it on the invoice.

I use composition books, remember them, to jot down ideas, keep records and tape pictures in. It is not real organized just page by page and at least I know I will find the info in that book. I could use a loose leaf binder and separate it into categories like patterns, ideas, color inspiration pictures, fabric lists, etc,.

I keep my current composition book right by my machine so it is always easy to access.
peace

That's happened to me with books.

do you place a pattern with fabric and store it away, or ordered just because it's so pretty??

Yes, this!

So, now I think I will combine everyone's ideas. When I order fabric I will write it in a notebook, who from, how much, what pattern to be used or I have ordered. If I already have the pattern I will mark it with a sticky note, and when fabric FINALLY arrives, it will go into a tote with the invoice and pattern. Maybe just maybe I can keep myself organized if I remember where I put the tote!!

I have a list of everything I've ordered online. However, I rarely buy for a specific project, so why do I keep this list? I have no idea. :)

I do like the idea of knowing where things came from in case I want more. Maybe that's it.

I keep a small steno notebook next to the computer and log my purchases. I buy almost everything online. Not only fabric for fun but also for business, almost all my personal stuff and most of my gifts for family and friends. I can happily say I haven't been into a mall in years. I may go into a Target store 3 times a year and can't remember when I was in a regular dept store. I keep my online purchases in their checkouts until free shipping is available and then buy. I will admit to being in Home Depot and Lowe's a lot more than most folks and I go into Michaels with a 40% coupon and only buy one item (it is on the way to my part time job at Joanns so I can stop there a couple times a week if need be). I buy the odd things at Joanns, but only on sale or 50% coupon and add my employee discount. If you plan on selling your product, this is the only way you can make a reasonable profit. Buying retail, you can never recoup your money.

I have the same problem, also have purchased the same fabric twice....I'm liking the idea of a notebook to keep track of what the fabric is for. I have a ruler I ordered and have no clue what pattern it is for! Guess I need to search Missouri Star and see what Jenny was using it for!

I have given away duplicate books and patterns. Since downsizing my book collection it was easier to enter the data in a software program on line.

I have so many works in progress that I have only grabbed half a dozen to put in see-through boxes complete with the pattern, my notes, fabric, etc.

Now, I am going through each box to take inventory!!!!! I need to find out where I am in the construction
process..... As for now, I will probably just complete the tops if I don't have the backing in my stash.

Notes to self: pattern; inventory of fabric; inventory of blocks completed, already cut, etc.; size of unfinished block; what I can do in half-an-hour of sewing time. If I leave something ready to sew easily, I will make progress!

I too should keep a note on purchases. When getting dishes from Macy's i printed out each order. but quilt things I just let come. We all should be better organized and check things off when they arrive. (I just forgot i shut my bedroom door and walked right into it when looking at a strange phone number on my phone. Ouch)

great thread....I too have forgotten what what was purchased for...but that's not the norm for me. Usually buy 3 yds.if I really like something but I've dropped back to 2 yds because I've been trying to use up what I have. Now if I buy it it is for something specific....not just because I really like it or at least I try not to! (ok...ok...ok...LOL here!)

One time I bought fabric from Missouri Star because I liked the pattern Jenny was showing with it. I forgot the pattern and called them to ask. They knew immediately what the pattern was and where to find it in one of the BLOCK magazines. They are wonderful on customer service.

when I order from Missouri Star, it gets here so quick that I don't have time to forget why I ordered it! They are fast!

When I finally choose fabric and pattern I put a copy of the pattern and fabric in a small wash basket, you can usually get them at dollar stores or big box discount stores. These little baskets are cheap and invaluable for organizing. I don't like putting fabric in plastic bags. It is too easy for any one to toss it and you can't see what is in them.

Another way I keep fabric and pattern together is to use the selvage ribbon or left over binding strips to tie them together in a pretty bundle and keep them right on a shelf in the stash. I can see the pretty fabric and know just how many projects I have lined up.
peace

Oh boy, me too. I wish I had that problem. Thing is, I buy fabric just because I like it. Then when I find a quilt I want to make, I go to my stash first. Then I buy whatever else I need. Since it is one at a time though, I never get lost. I just can't stand the waiting once I've made up my mind.

Oh good grief! I can't remember anything anymore. A very annoying thing. If I can't remember what the original purchase of the fabric were for, I just decide on a new one. Once I bought some fabric to make a quilt, couldn't remember what I wanted to use it for, so I started using one of the fabrics...then I remembered what it was for and I had already used some of the yardage. So, I'm making a smaller quilt.

Wish sometimes as I scroll through the comments that there was a thumbs up I could check!! I love the comments and the help people on this board give!! Have a beautiful, Happy day!

How funny, Linda! That sounds like me!